Smarty Pants
This science teacher has a formula for inventive dressing.
"I love math and science, but that doesn't mean I can't look good," says Darren T. Wells, a science instructor of both students and teachers at the James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury. On the first day of class, the Dorchester resident tells his students, "I will never wear the same outfit the whole year." He's got it down to, well, a science. For example, September is khakis and ties month; October: vests; November: sport jackets and suits. His favorite type of clothing? Overalls. He owns 30-plus pairs, many made from African mud cloths picked up on his travels and sewn by his seamstress mother, Saundra. Also thanks to Mom, the 41-year-old turned down a modeling contract years ago to get his master's degree in education. Named a Boston Teacher of the Year in 2002, Wells volunteers at Concerned Black Men of Massachusetts, inspiring inner-city youngsters with both his work ethic and inventive fashion choices. "I guess I'm really my own trend," he says.
Where He Shops
FOR BARGAINS Though Daffy's (daffys.com) is Wells's all-time favorite discount store, he also frequents Syms (560 Providence Highway, Norwood, 781-769-8200, syms.com) and T.J. Maxx (350 Washington Street, Boston, 617-695-2424, tjmaxx.com).
FOR VINTAGE Wells visits consignment and thrift shops "everywhere," but especially likes Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries (1010 Harrison Avenue, Boston, 617-541-1270, goodwillmass.org) and, for formal wear, Keezer’s Clothing (140 River Street, Cambridge, 617-547-2455, keezers.com).
FOR ACCESSORIES In addition to picking up ethnic jewelry on his far-flung travels, Wells never misses the seasonal Cultural Survival Bazaar (cs.org) held in Boston each December. For hats, he likes local designer Desmond Bellot, founder of the Dolo Creative Group in Quincy (doloclothing.com).
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